The most successful notaries have one thing in common: They follow the formula.

And, somewhat obviously, I suppose, those who struggle the most, don’t. 

This struck me as I was reading Mel Robbins’ new book, “The Let Them Theory,” during a hot bath, as I tried to shake the January blues (I’m writing this in the last week of February and I STILL haven’t shaken them-but it is better. Anyone else relate?)

Here’s what Mel said on page 82, in regards to being afraid of people thinking poorly of you:

“Every business has a formula. Follow it. I say that because one of the things I see people get hung up on all the time is this belief that, ‘I need to be different.’ That is a fancy way to say that you're afraid other people will think that you copied them. This is an example of how your fear of what other people think holds you back from following the most obvious, easiest, and most proven path to success. Let them think you copied them. Because you did. And they copied the formula from so...

Want More Clients? Get Specific!

In the apostille business, trying to appeal to everyone often means appealing to no one.

Casting a wide net may feel like the best way to bring in more business, but in reality, specificity sells. By narrowing your focus and marketing to targeted niches, you can establish yourself as the trusted, go-to expert for industries that need repeat apostille services.

The result? A steady stream of clients who see you not as an option, but as the solution.

Why Niche Marketing Works (and Why It Matters for Apostille Agents)

Clients are more likely to trust an apostille agent who understands their specific needs. A law firm managing international contracts, an adoption agency finalizing foreign adoptions, or a corporation with global hires isn’t looking for a jack-of-all-trades. They want someone who knows the nuances of their documents and the urgency of their timelines.

By honing in on industries that require frequent apostille services, you create a repu...

Continuing the conversation about my Top of Mind Method and the SMILE framework, let’s look at the next step of a successful service/sales call. 

Let me catch you up again: Answering your phone is step one. Answering it professionally is step two. In step three, you take gentle control so you can do step four- demonstrate your expertise by asking probing questions. 

If you fumble through the call, let the caller steer the conversation, or fail to ask the right questions, you could end up on a wild goose chase to notarize a will that doesn’t even need notarization. (Yes, that happens…all the time)

I want to help you avoid wasted time, under-quoting, and awkward "Oops, I can't do this" moments by giving you a simple, repeatable framework for every general notary work (GNW) call you take.

Say hello to “SIGN IT”, your new best friend for asking the right questions and showing up prepared like the pro you are.

The SIGN IT Framework for Notary Calls

A repeatable process for getting the...

Want to build a notary business that keeps clients coming back and referring you to others? It starts with mastering four essential pillars: Competence, Confidence, Integrity, and Likeability. These aren’t just buzzwords, they’re the foundation of a thriving, relationship-based notary business.

If you want to learn how to leverage these pillars to the max, I lay it all out step by step in Supercharge Your Notary Business With LinkedIn, written with the incredible, Sandra Long . Trust me, this isn’t theory, this is the blueprint I used to build solid professional relationships and a multiple six-figure income.

Pillar 1: Competence – The Backbone of Your Reputation

Clients hire notaries they trust to get the job done right the first time. Competence isn’t just about stamping documents, it’s about becoming the total package. You have to know what you're doing, and your clients have to be able to count on you for it all- printing, scheduling, client management, and even tricky situation...

There are three tenets that helped me flourish in this business as a notary entrepreneur:

One, being a mobile notary gave me a flexible schedule, unchained from any desk or cubicle, so I could be free to do more of the things I enjoy with the people I love. 

Second, it provides a truly unlimited opportunity to earn revenue in seemingly endless ways. 

And third, providing an essential service that helps people is something we can be proud of. 

We are, in fact, the last line of defense against fraud and identity theft. 

Especially in today’s marketplace. 

Consumer protection is eroding. The safety nets that once existed are vanishing faster than  free pens at a notary networking event.

Recent cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the agency that was supposed to crack down on predatory lenders and shady financial dealings after the whole 2008 debacle, have left a gaping hole in the fight against fraud. 

And guess who’s standing right at the edge of that hole, pr...

When notary work slows down, many of us start scrambling for side gigs. But what if you could tap into a steady stream of income without stepping too far outside your notary skillset?

Behold... Field Inspections.

This under-the-radar opportunity is a perfect complement to your notary business, and it’s one of the specialties we highlight in Beyond Loan Signings: The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Notary Commission with Specialty Work, co-written with the amazing Laura Biewer .

What Are Field Inspections?

Field inspections involve visiting properties or businesses on behalf of clients to verify conditions, take photos, and complete simple checklists. Banks, insurance companies, and lenders frequently need these services.

Why Notaries Are Perfect for the Job

As notaries, we’re already trusted to verify identities and documents. Field inspections leverage those same skills—attention to detail, professionalism, and punctuality. Plus, the flexibility means you can book these jobs a...

When I owned a signing company that hired notaries across the country, I saw firsthand how a simple skill, following instructions, could make or break a signing. 

We weren’t sending generic order confirmations. We created customized instructions for each appointment. Tailored details about the signers, the documents, the client’s preferences, and the non-negotiable requirements. 

And we didn’t just email them to the hired notary. We followed up with texts. Sometimes, we even called to stress how important it was to read the instructions before heading to the appointment.

And yet… time and time again, we had notaries who completely ignored them.

They missed crucial details. 

They asked questions that were already answered in bold, underlined, highlighted instructions. 

Some even went rogue, assuming they knew best, only for us to find out later that they had done something completely different from what was required. They used black ink instead of blue. Or printed on letter sized ...

In an age where emails flood inboxes and texts are sent in seconds, a handwritten note stands out.

If you’re ready to add a human touch to your notary business and deepen client connections, the simplest way to start is by creating a Note Sending Kit, a simple way to make it easy for you to send notes and build lasting relationships.

Why Handwritten Notes Work (And Why They’re Rare!)

Think back to the last time you received a handwritten card. It probably felt like a warm hug, right? Handwritten notes are personal, thoughtful, and incredibly rare in today’s fast-paced digital world.

That’s precisely why they’re so powerful.

Most people intend to send notes but never get around to it. Why? Because life gets busy. By the time you think about it, you’ve misplaced the stationary or don’t have stamps.

Let’s change that.

How to Create Your Note Sending Kit (And Stick With It)

Here’s what you need to make note-writing effortless:

• Stationary or Cards – Plain and simple. No brandin

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Here’s my (perhaps unpopular) take on social media for notaries:

While social media can help with branding and reminding your network you exist, and can even help with search engine optimization if done correctly, for most mobile notaries, posting on social media platforms won’t actually make the phone ring. And that is for three main reasons:

• Your customers aren’t shopping for notary services on social media;

• You’re probably doing social media “wrong” anyway (Sorry!);

• And you might be using it as a distraction to avoid revenue-producing activity.

A social media presence is a “nice to have,” not a “must have.” So, if it is jamming you up right now, overwhelming you, taking up too much of your precious time & energy, or if you just plain hate it, STOP doing it. 

Let me qualify this before you go crazy on me. 

I’m specifically speaking to notary entrepreneurs who DO NOT HAVE THE RESULTS THEY WANT in their business. 

Frankly, that’s most notaries right now, especia...

Have you ever felt the power of a great review? Whether you're looking for the best steak in town or trying to find a reliable notary, reviews often guide the way.

Here’s the kicker: only 10% of consumers actually take the time to write a review, yet nearly 90% of people trust them when making decisions. Imagine the ripple effect you could have by simply sharing a few kind words about your experiences.

Now, let’s flip this for a second. What if your notary business thrived because people took the time to leave you a glowing review? What if one heartfelt comment nudged someone to choose you over the competition?

That’s exactly why today’s challenge from The Notary Business Building Challenge is all about spreading some joy by leaving a positive review for a local business.

Why This Matters (To More Than Just Restaurants)

When you leave a positive review, you’re not just supporting a business, you’re helping build the foundation for trust. Every entrepreneur (including you) knows ho...